Cost of Living: Winter Checklist
Read our Vehicle Winter Checklist to make sure you are prepared during the colder months.
Read our Vehicle Winter Checklist to make sure you are prepared during the colder months.
With the UK feeling out of pocket due to the cost-of-living increase, now more than ever drivers need to make the best effort to keep costs down and protect their investments.
You are more likely to breakdown in winter because of the poor weather conditions. While some of these situations cannot be helped, there are a few extra precautions you can check to make sure you stay safe and prevent further costs.
Read our Vehicle Winter Checklist to make sure you are prepared during the colder months.
Battery issues are the biggest reason mechanics are called out in winter. Cold conditions affect the chemical process that produces and stores electricity inside the battery, slowing the battery down and reducing its ability to hold a charge.
Your vehicle is also more likely to be sat on the driveway during the festive period. The car battery charges while you drive so leaving your car undriven will cause the battery to lose its charge.
Make sure your battery is in good shape and checked by a competent technician.
Regular servicing maximises your engine’s performance and efficiency which subsequently saves you money on fuel. Worn components can have an adverse effect on other aspects of the car, which could cause parts to suffer from premature failure.
If you miss your regular service which could have picked up on any worn or damaged parts, this can result in your vehicle breaking down.
Keep up to date with your servicing by following the vehicles manufacturers recommended service schedule. This can usually be found in the vehicles owner’s manual.
Check the depth and tread of your tyres to ensure grip on icy days. Cold weather can decrease air pressure so keep an eye on your tyres. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm however the recommended minimum is 3mm. On average there are 36% more flat tyre changes in winter.
Remember to check your fluids and top up where needed. Screen wash is key for good visibility so keep a spare in the boot of your car.
Antifreeze prevents corrosion and prevents the water from freezing up. Be aware that there are different types of antifreeze and mixing them could damage your engine. To avoid this, look in your handbook for which type you should use or get a garage to check for you.
The correct coolant strength is very important all year round, both in summer and winter. Make sure you have this checked as part of your routine servicing.
As the nights get darker make sure your headlights, indicator and brake lights are in good working condition. Check your sensors if applicable and familiarise yourself with your fog lights.
Fog can be one of the most dangerous weather conditions for driving, use your headlights and fog lights to increase your visibility to others including pedestrians.
Rust is caused when metal is exposed to water and oxygen over time. Salt from our roads accelerates this process. Ensure you wash your car regularly to avoid potential build up of dirt, salt and tar.
This winter, you need to protect your investment and save yourself from hefty, unexpected bills. Use this checklist along with utilising your Autoguard warranty to protect your vehicle from unexpected mechanical and electrical failure.